Fruit Bearing
This refers to the relative season when the plant produces fruit, or if it bears continuously or just once

Mid Season

Zone
This refers to the USDA hardiness zone assigned to each part of the country, based on the minimum winter temperature that a region typically experiences. Hardiness zone ranges are provided for all perennial plants and you should always choose plants that fall within your range.

4-9

Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

48-72 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

48-72 inches

Growth Habit
The genetic tendency of a plant to grow in a certain shape, such as vining or bush like.

Start IndoorsStart Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds indoors in the spring or summer

TransplantTransplant
When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for spring

Start OutdoorsStart Outdoors
Starting seeds outdoors is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the spring or summer

Start Indoors FallStart Indoors Fall
Starting seeds indoors in the fall called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

Transplant FallTransplant Fall
Transplant Fall-When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for fall

Start Outdoors FallStart Outdoors Fall
Starting seeds outdoors in the fall is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

First Date: Mar-28 - Last Date: May-16

First Date: Sep-17 - Last Date: Oct-29

Jan

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Mar

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May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

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Dec

Growing information

Blueberry: Bare Root or Potted Fruit Plant

How to Plant

Blueberries may be planted as bare root or potted plants.

Blueberries thrive in a sunny to partially shaded location, in well drained, very acidic soil, with a pH of 4.2-5.2. If your pH is higher, add garden sulfur according to package directions. Do not change the pH of your soil more than ½ of a point each year.

Plant at least two varieties that bloom at the same time for cross pollination and better yield.

Keep the crowns above the soil level. Plant into the hole and back fill with loose soil. Gently press soil in around the root ball. Transplants need good root-to-soil contact. Do not press too hard because that can cause soil compaction and root damage.

Gently water around the root ball to settle the soil and drive out air pockets.

After planting be sure to mark the plants with plant labels so you know where they are and what varieties they are.

Mulch with 2-3 inches of compost of pine needles to retain moisture and prohibit weed growth.

Planting Potted Plants:

Set the plant in the hole at the same depth as it was growing in the pot.

Backfill the hole and press firmly around the base of the planting.

Water deeply. The water will seal off any air pockets around the root ball.

After planting be sure to mark the plants with plant labels so you know where they are and what varieties they are.

Mulch with 2-3 inches of compost of pine needles to retain moisture and prohibit weed growth.

How to Grow

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients. Control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.

Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1-2 inches of rain per week during the growing season. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.

Do not fertilize newly planted bushes until they have leafed out. Work a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants into the top 3 inches of soil around each plant. Apply again 4-6 weeks later. After the first year, fertilize in spring as new growth begins, and again 4-6 weeks later. Apply fertilizer to the soil beneath each bush, keeping it 5-6 inches away from the main stem.

Remove flowers the first year to strengthen plants.

Prune in late winter or early spring while the bushes are dormant. The first three years, remove small lateral shoots and thin out excessive bushy growth. After the third year, annually remove 1/4 - 1/3 of the old wood, any dead or injured branches, and those close to the ground.

Monitor for pests and diseases. Blueberries are remarkably disease resistant. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.

Pick fruit promptly to discourage insects.

Do not water as frequently after early September unless the soil is very dry.

Mulch after the ground freezes in fall to prevent root damage from alternating freezing and thawing.

Harvest and Preserving Tips

Cover bushes with bird netting as fruit ripens. Netting should not touch blueberries.

Blueberry fruits turn blue before they are fully ripe. The acid level will continue to fall for three to seven days after the fruit turns blue. The underside of the berry will turn from pink to full blue when it is fully ripe.

Harvest only when the weather is dry and avoid over handling to preserve the whitish, waxy surface of the berry, which protects it from fruit molds.